Discussion
A couple of weekends ago I spent a very enjoyable Saturday with a Roadcraft instructor, something I've done from time to time for many years. I decided to use my rebuilt Élan M100, for driving duties, my instructor had never been in one before, as well as instructing he did some demonstration driving. Initially the car feels at little old, mainly because of its less than perfect interior finish, but dynamically and speed wise it's still pretty remarkable . After my first hours driving under instruction I felt pretty pleased to have taken the time and effort to rebuild the car. My instructor drove for about forty-five minutes, and seemed genuinely impressed with the cars virtuosity. We had a splendid day, I learn't much and as a final comment he said " makes you wonder why anyone would choose an Elise over this, to drive on the road "?
Quite agree with favourable comments, as a fellow owner - I have driven an Elise and greatly enjoyed it but, for sheer day-to-day practicality and comfort, the old M100 has it pretty well beaten!
I'm off on a 200-mile trip tomorrow with wifa and it holds few fears, knowing we'll travel comfortably and with a turn of occasional speed, traffic allowing!
I'm off on a 200-mile trip tomorrow with wifa and it holds few fears, knowing we'll travel comfortably and with a turn of occasional speed, traffic allowing!
I own both an M100 & Elise. There is simply no comparison between the 2.
The Elan is smooth & comfortable, the Elise raucous & uncomfortable!
They do very different things. To do a long drive Elan over Elise all day. To do a country lane hoon, Elise over Elan.
I actually think the Elan is a better put together car than the Elise bsd on my examples!
The Elan is smooth & comfortable, the Elise raucous & uncomfortable!
They do very different things. To do a long drive Elan over Elise all day. To do a country lane hoon, Elise over Elan.
I actually think the Elan is a better put together car than the Elise bsd on my examples!
Hi,
My first proper sports car was a stunning mustard s2 elan (had a pacific blue one as well).I loved that car it was staggering around the bends had turn heads unusual looks and I could get the hood down or up quicker than an electric one.
Looking back now for me it had so many things going for it.1 fairly practical 2 comfy 3 soft top for summer 4 good on fuel 5 bombproof isuzu lump and it was rare.The elan does really make me wonder what more people could want in a sports car as in my eyes it had most bases covered.
My first proper sports car was a stunning mustard s2 elan (had a pacific blue one as well).I loved that car it was staggering around the bends had turn heads unusual looks and I could get the hood down or up quicker than an electric one.
Looking back now for me it had so many things going for it.1 fairly practical 2 comfy 3 soft top for summer 4 good on fuel 5 bombproof isuzu lump and it was rare.The elan does really make me wonder what more people could want in a sports car as in my eyes it had most bases covered.
coolchris said:
Hi,
My first proper sports car was a stunning mustard s2 elan (had a pacific blue one as well).I loved that car it was staggering around the bends had turn heads unusual looks and I could get the hood down or up quicker than an electric one.
Looking back now for me it had so many things going for it.1 fairly practical 2 comfy 3 soft top for summer 4 good on fuel 5 bombproof isuzu lump and it was rare.The elan does really make me wonder what more people could want in a sports car as in my eyes it had most bases covered.
The M100 is a seriously underrated car. It is far quicker than it should be, having been designed to be driven to 90% of its capability by 90% of people. Driving it quickly it inspires tremendous confidence. I once took mine out followed by a mate in a 911 C4S. He couldn't believe how quick it was on the B road twisties. It has all that you state, still looks fantastic. A couple of years back, I pulled up at a roundabout, a 911 cab, pulls up next to me & a couple of kids lean out & say "wow, look at that" My first proper sports car was a stunning mustard s2 elan (had a pacific blue one as well).I loved that car it was staggering around the bends had turn heads unusual looks and I could get the hood down or up quicker than an electric one.
Looking back now for me it had so many things going for it.1 fairly practical 2 comfy 3 soft top for summer 4 good on fuel 5 bombproof isuzu lump and it was rare.The elan does really make me wonder what more people could want in a sports car as in my eyes it had most bases covered.
It came out at the same time as the MX-5, & frankly blew it into the weeds in every respect. Lotus need an updated M100, to compliment an updated Elise. Ive had mine for 20yrs now & wouldn't be without it.
GT03ROB said:
coolchris said:
Hi,
My first proper sports car was a stunning mustard s2 elan (had a pacific blue one as well).I loved that car it was staggering around the bends had turn heads unusual looks and I could get the hood down or up quicker than an electric one.
Looking back now for me it had so many things going for it.1 fairly practical 2 comfy 3 soft top for summer 4 good on fuel 5 bombproof isuzu lump and it was rare.The elan does really make me wonder what more people could want in a sports car as in my eyes it had most bases covered.
The M100 is a seriously underrated car. It is far quicker than it should be, having been designed to be driven to 90% of its capability by 90% of people. Driving it quickly it inspires tremendous confidence. I once took mine out followed by a mate in a 911 C4S. He couldn't believe how quick it was on the B road twisties. It has all that you state, still looks fantastic. A couple of years back, I pulled up at a roundabout, a 911 cab, pulls up next to me & a couple of kids lean out & say "wow, look at that" My first proper sports car was a stunning mustard s2 elan (had a pacific blue one as well).I loved that car it was staggering around the bends had turn heads unusual looks and I could get the hood down or up quicker than an electric one.
Looking back now for me it had so many things going for it.1 fairly practical 2 comfy 3 soft top for summer 4 good on fuel 5 bombproof isuzu lump and it was rare.The elan does really make me wonder what more people could want in a sports car as in my eyes it had most bases covered.
It came out at the same time as the MX-5, & frankly blew it into the weeds in every respect. Lotus need an updated M100, to compliment an updated Elise. Ive had mine for 20yrs now & wouldn't be without it.
The FWD design may put people off but give it a go and you'll never regret it!
Fantastic to hear other owners proudly raving about their M100's!
I've always thought that the Elan is very pretty, but isn't it really wide? I seem to recall that it is the same width as an Esprit. If so, wouldn't the Esprit make a better long term proposition?
Mind you, the Elan is sooooo cheap now it is tempting to hunt down the back of the sofa to see if sufficient funds can be found to buy one.
Mind you, the Elan is sooooo cheap now it is tempting to hunt down the back of the sofa to see if sufficient funds can be found to buy one.
Throttle Body said:
I've always thought that the Elan is very pretty, but isn't it really wide? I seem to recall that it is the same width as an Esprit. If so, wouldn't the Esprit make a better long term proposition?
Mind you, the Elan is sooooo cheap now it is tempting to hunt down the back of the sofa to see if sufficient funds can be found to buy one.
you calling my Esprit fat???Mind you, the Elan is sooooo cheap now it is tempting to hunt down the back of the sofa to see if sufficient funds can be found to buy one.
Wiki numbers:
M100 Elan Width 1,734 mm (68.3 in)
S1 Esprit Width 73 in (1,854.2 mm)
Esprit Width 1993–95 & 1999–2001: 73.5 in (1,867 mm)
Esprit Width 1996–98 & 2002–04: 74.1 in (1,882 mm)
MX5 mk1 Width 65.9 in (1,670 mm)
MX5 mk3 Width 67.7 in (1,720 mm)
So an M100 Elan is only 14mm wider than a mk3 MX5, and 120.2mm narrower than the narrowest Esprit.
Edit to add: S1 and S2 Elise seem to be 1,719 mm (67.7 in) wide, yet I've parked next to Elans and they look much wider than the Elise. Weird optical illusion going on there I think.
M100 Elan Width 1,734 mm (68.3 in)
S1 Esprit Width 73 in (1,854.2 mm)
Esprit Width 1993–95 & 1999–2001: 73.5 in (1,867 mm)
Esprit Width 1996–98 & 2002–04: 74.1 in (1,882 mm)
MX5 mk1 Width 65.9 in (1,670 mm)
MX5 mk3 Width 67.7 in (1,720 mm)
So an M100 Elan is only 14mm wider than a mk3 MX5, and 120.2mm narrower than the narrowest Esprit.
Edit to add: S1 and S2 Elise seem to be 1,719 mm (67.7 in) wide, yet I've parked next to Elans and they look much wider than the Elise. Weird optical illusion going on there I think.
Edited by Captain Muppet on Friday 8th February 10:29
hi gang. . .i ve had two Elans, both SE's and loved them, the second was a late model so had the S2 seats which was a notable improvement over my first one which was a very early car as it had the opera style headlights, which i beleive Lotus soon changed to the pod design.
Great cars, but the first did leak a little ! the second was much better, but not excactly bone dry either when the rain fell. I have also had an Elise, a 1998 car which i bought from new and enjoyed it very much, and now have an esprit.
I reckon each is highly enjoyable in their own different ways. . . which would i pick for a good drive might depend on the weather, but in terms of fun, all can stil teach there counterparts a lesson or two !
Great cars, but the first did leak a little ! the second was much better, but not excactly bone dry either when the rain fell. I have also had an Elise, a 1998 car which i bought from new and enjoyed it very much, and now have an esprit.
I reckon each is highly enjoyable in their own different ways. . . which would i pick for a good drive might depend on the weather, but in terms of fun, all can stil teach there counterparts a lesson or two !
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